The previous exploration on the topic of patent searches discussed the importance and types of patent searches. Each type of patent search is most valuable when performed at specific times during the invention process.
1. Ideation and Brainstorming
Landscape searches may be particularly useful when at the ideation and brainstorming stage. When given a broad area of possible innovation, a landscape search can help point out more or less crowded areas of the landscape. A patentability search or freedom to operate search may not be valuable at this point, because details of the invention are still being developed.
2. Invention Development
When the inventive aspects are more defined, a patentability search may be helpful for deciding whether or not to proceed to file a patent application. A patentability search at this stage may help identify which elements of the invention may be most novel and should be emphasized in the patent application.
3. Product Development
Once it is decided that that the invention may be placed for public sale, but before the process and/or features are locked in, a freedom to operate search may be relevant. Doing the freedom to operate search before features are immutable allows for some flexibility to change the features/process to avoid any potential infringement.
As an innovative firm, McCoy Russell leverages its expertise, experience, and proprietary software to integrate information from a number of databases, including domestic, foreign, and scientific information. Please contact us to see if we can assist in your searching needs.
